THE family of four-time X Factor contestant Ceri Rees have launched legal action against the programme, claiming show bosses exploited the vulnerable widow.

Her upset parents claim Ceri, of Erw Deg, Bryntirion, was “harassed” into returning to the show only to be publicly humiliated again.

And they said X Factor chiefs continued to take advantage of Ceri – despite knowing the 54-year-old was vulnerable.

A family spokesman said: “We have been to see a solicitor. We feel that Ceri was put under undue pressure to take part in the show again.

“We accept that Ceri was not forced to go onto X Factor. But the programme-makers have a responsibility to ensure that contestants are mentally and physically fit enough to take part.”

Ceri, who lives with her two cats in a one-bedroom flat, first appeared on the show in 2005.

Her latest audition, broadcast on Sunday, erupted into a national controversy with celebrities including singer Lily Allen saying the performance should never have been screened.

Friends said X Factor producers hounded Ceri to return to the show with the promise of free hotels and free train tickets and they claimed Ceri was sent backing tracks to prepare for the auditions.

But Ceri was left sobbing after her latest appearance on the show was broadcast.

Her friend Amanda Roberts gave Ceri free singing lessons after her appearance on the X Factor in 2008.

The 40-year-old vocal coach, from Swansea, said: “She has been left dreadfully upset and I have real concerns for her. Her parents are in their 80s and are supporting her but her father is not well.

“Her brother is so concerned that he has started legal action.”

Mum-of-three Amanda said she pleaded with X Factor producers to keep vulnerable widow Ceri off the show.

She said: “They pursued her – they sent her backing tapes, offered to put her up in a hotel and gave her free train tickets. They said to me: ‘What are you, her doctor?’ We had a right slanging match for half an hour – they spoke to me like mud.”

Bridgend businesswoman Samantha Marshall, a friend of Ceri’s, also claimed the wannabe singer was targeted by X Factor producers.

The 33-year-old said: “They just contact her and ask her if she’s going to come back next year. They tell her to keep auditioning.”

An X Factor spokeswoman denied paying for a hotel and insisted Ceri was happy with how she was portrayed.

“The welfare of contestants is of paramount importance,” she said. “We have psychologists to provide expert opinion if we have any specific concerns or if the contestant raises any issues.”